Outstanding practical teaching and practical learning are the
key ingredients of our pioneering aerospace training
programme. The essence of 'learning by doing' joins together
the practical and theory elements that make up the "Flybe Diploma
in Engineering" (The Diploma). The Diploma is a four year industry
based course which sees underpinning knowledge and practical skills
developed concurrently.
This ground breaking project between the College and Flybe started
in 2007 when Flybe put out a tender for an academic
partner. ExeterCollegewas selected to become the lead academic
partner from over 20 applications.
The College's first priority was to create a pathway to licence new
aircraft engineers. Working in collaboration with the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA), Flybe, GoSkills, SEMTA, the Skills
Funding Agency and awarding organisations, the College shaped a
unique and innovative post-16 practical learning
pathway. Now with over one hundred trainees recruited,
the Diplomais a testament to how theoretical and practical learning
can function together seamlessly.
The Diploma is a framework of vocational qualifications, a
professional certificate (EASA Part 66 B1.1 Aircraft Engineer
Licence), and a Foundation Degree. Learners receive over 3000 hours
of practical teaching and practical learning. To achieve
this, learners are rotated around the aircraft hanger, working on
live aircraft and also specialist hangar workshops including;
structures, composites, component repair, non-destructive testing,
cabin furnishings, wheel bay, stores, brakes, production planning,
quality, safety, avionics and battery shop. They are mentored by a
Senior Engineer and work alongside skilled technicians to learn the
practical skills associated within that area and become better
equipped to diagnose faults and rectify defects.
AoC Criterion
It must have regard to promoting
equality and diversity of theprogramme
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Classroom study is wholly contextualized. Learners have
aircraft parts and components in the classroom, use engineers'
mechanical drawings, watch real video footage, access the internet,
use real airline defect reports and EASA module course notes.
This approach to their academic learning makes it real, relevant
and meaningful to them. Learner feedback tells us that the
most valued feature to aid their learning is having live aircraft,
parts and components "at their fingertips".
This course means learners progress to study at degree level and
gain a high level of practical skill and at the end our learners
have developed sufficient skills and knowledge to progress to
employment, earning a salary in excess of £30,000 per annum.
The aims of the Diploma are to:
- Ø Provide the aerospace industry with talented, licensed
engineers
- Ø Provide a practical learning course that meets employer and
sector requirements and is also enjoyable and affordable to
students
- Ø Support learners in achieving their aspirations
- Ø Promote a seamless transition from FE to employment
- Ø Address the 'lost' skills by training students to become
'pure' engineers
- Ø Reduce barriers to participation of minority groups and
encourage more women into engineering
- Ø Expand the integration of qualifications into practical
learning
For more information about the subject of this case study please
contact Ian Fitzpatrick, Head of Engineering, Aerospace and
Automotive (email: ianfitzpartrick@exe-coll.
ac.uk or telephone: 01392 205371. More information can be
found on Exeter College's website: www.exetercollege.ac.uk